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Empire #4
Empire of Lust
My Boss. My hell.
When I slept with a faceless jock as a teen, I didn’t think I would become pregnant.
I also didn’t think I would lose that child.
Several years later, I find out that my daughter is alive and I’m given a second chance.
One problem, though.
The faceless jock isn’t so faceless anymore.
He has a name everyone fears; Kingsley Shaw.
A ruthless bastard. A heartless devil. And most importantly, my daughter’s father.
Oh, and he hates me as much as I hate him.
We’re out to destroy one another with all methods available.
Including a dangerous game of lust that might lead to our downfall.
Empire of Lust is a complete STANDALONE. No book should be read prior to this.
When I slept with a faceless jock as a teen, I didn’t think I would become pregnant.
I also didn’t think I would lose that child.
Several years later, I find out that my daughter is alive and I’m given a second chance.
One problem, though.
The faceless jock isn’t so faceless anymore.
He has a name everyone fears; Kingsley Shaw.
A ruthless bastard. A heartless devil. And most importantly, my daughter’s father.
Oh, and he hates me as much as I hate him.
We’re out to destroy one another with all methods available.
Including a dangerous game of lust that might lead to our downfall.
Empire of Lust is a complete STANDALONE. No book should be read prior to this.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2022
1,970 people are currently reading
26.5k people want to read
About the author
Rina Kent
51 books49.9k followersRina Kent is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 bestselling author of all things dark romance.
Better known for writing unapologetic anti-heroes and villains, Rina weaves tales of characters you shouldn’t fall for but inevitably do. Her stories are laced with a touch of darkness, a splash of angst, and just the right amount of unhealthy intensity.
When she’s not busy plotting mayhem for her ever-expanding Rinaverse, she leads a private life in London, travels, and pampers her cats in true Cat Lady fashion.
You can find her below:
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Better known for writing unapologetic anti-heroes and villains, Rina weaves tales of characters you shouldn’t fall for but inevitably do. Her stories are laced with a touch of darkness, a splash of angst, and just the right amount of unhealthy intensity.
When she’s not busy plotting mayhem for her ever-expanding Rinaverse, she leads a private life in London, travels, and pampers her cats in true Cat Lady fashion.
You can find her below:
Website
Newsletter
Bookbub
Amazon
TikTok
Reader Group
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,412 reviews
March 20, 2024
all this arrogance for an unseasoned cock 🙄
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May 7, 2022EMPIRE OF LUST IS A COMPLETE STANDALONE IN THE EMPIRE WORLD!
➜ https://books2read.com/EOL-RK
➜ https://books2read.com/EOL-RK
June 17, 2024
i want to give him the most toe curling, back arching, leg shaking, dick throbbing, fist clenching, ear twitching, mouth drooling, ass clenching, nose sniffling, eye watering, ball emptying, eye rolling, hip thrusting, earthquaking, sheet gripping, knuckle cracking, jaw dropping, hair pulling, teeth jittering, mind boggling, soul snatching, overestimulating, vile, sloppy, moan inducing, heart wrenching, spine tingling, atrocious, gushy, creamy, beastly, lip biting, gravity defying, nail biting, sweat creating, feet kicking, mind blowing, body shivering, orgasmic, wet, demonic, sinful, universe destroying, world ending, bone breaking, black hole creating, devious, scrumptious, amazing, unbelievable, body numbing, bark worthy, head nodding, soul evaporating, soul sucking, volcano erupting, sweat rolling, voice cracking, trembling, pants wetting, satanie, flabbergasting, liplicking, skin peeling, eye widening, pussy popping, spectacular, brain cell evaporating, hair ripping, demon form awakening, back arching, leg shaking, dick throbbing, soul ascending head ever
May 6, 2022
3.5 stars⭐️
i was a bit indecisive for a while there, lol, but im rounding this up to four stars bcos i did enjoy this for the most part and i enjoyed it so much more than i was initially expecting.
okay, so trying to write this without spoilers has been the bane of my existence while im writing multiple four thousand word essays for my degree. so appreciate my dedication, please and thank you.
i will preface this by highlighting my turbulent relationship with Rina Kent’s books. they’ve been more miss than hit for me, and i have disliked every hero. everyone single one. Cole was so close, so incredibly close but he ruined it with that damn fight between Silver and Elsa. i ain’t forgetting, bitch.
so, i was very hesitant when picking this up. the prospect of King and his history with Aspen made me pretty wary. i haven’t read book one when all the shit goes down with Gwen and all the truths are revealed, but i knew enough from Empire of Hate to get the gist. but it also intrigued me to see how this book was going to play out.
and i have to admit how pleasantly shocked i am that i enjoyed this the way i did. it’s the first time i liked both MCs in one of RK’s books. i either really hate or really love her heroines, my girlies Nicole and Silver know what’s up💅🏻 and luckily, right off the bat, i really liked Aspen. i found my myself instantly rooting for her, and any time she verbally sparred with King, i wanted her to win so badly. she was hard to pin down, though, because she was so broken and jaded, but also fierce and headstrong. both dominant and submissive. she did have the typical RK heroine persona about her where she was a bit of a spitfire but then had a good dose of betraying body syndrome which, in turn, kinda negated some of that defiance she emanated.
but overall, i liked her a lot!
while King... Kingsley Shaw was a man i wanted to hate so badly. but i couldn’t. not really. i fluctuated between liking him, being infuriated by him with his arrogance and audacity, and i then subsequently hated that i liked him because he infuriated me so much. i genuinely couldn’t keep up with my feelings for him, they’re still kinda hazy tbh. im still pretty unsure whether i liked him in the end. but out of all of RK’s heroes, he’s stands tall above the rest by far. but take that with a pinch of salt, bcos ive had a shitty go of it with all of her other heroes.
now for the real stars of the show... Aspen and Gwen🥰
my god, i loved their mother-daughter relationship, and it was so heartwarming to watch their bond grow. i choked up a few times too, watching them interact. they were my favourite part of the whole book, hands down. i looked forward to their interactions more than i did Aspen and King lol. their dynamic was just so sweet and soft. gahhh. adorable. they both deserved to be by each other’s sides after everything they’ve been through. they just made me feel warm and squishy inside.
now here’s my issue— for the first 80% of the book, this was a solid four stars for me. i was having such a good time, the story was addictive and i couldn’t put the book down. but in the last 20% something was nagging at me. i won’t go into detail to avoid spoilers, so simply put, it felt like their relationship was based on sex and driven by lust more than anything else. particularly for King. i wanted more growth without the sex, especially because i felt like there was too much of it. there are specific examples id normally give to explain where/why parts fell short for me... but alas, spoilers.
so ultimately, was i convinced of their chemistry? absolutely. they serve the intense enemies arc so well. but their love... i don’t know, honestly. im really on the fence about it and a bit bummed to be honest, because for the most part i really enjoyed them together. King was classically possessive, but i liked it a lot. he’s truly obsessed with her and it had me smirking with how in denial he was. i liked the sentimentality behind their relationship as well as their history (but wish we’d been privy to more to flesh them out better).
and please, for the love of all things holy, can RK stop making her heroes call the heroines their whores? i hated it when Ronan would do it to Teal, especially since her mother was an actual prostitute. it’s repetitive by this point and cheap, just ew.
the plot did feel kinda aimless and a bit basic. but there was just some unhinged shit, that fr had me giggling and i don’t think it was even supposed to be funny. it was classic RK where it makes me wonder how tf she came up with this shit. but it’s addictive. there’s one scene that just lives in my head rent free i–
one thing i will just... put out there is the erm... age of Aspen during Gwen’s conception...
...14.
i– no, thank u. i get wanting Aspen and King to be on the younger side, and since they have a 20 year old daughter, it’s harder to make them younger... but 14? i was just like
i tried to bleach it from my eyeballs.
and some might see that as a spoiler, but personally i don’t. some readers will probably be uncomfortable with Aspen being that young and i don’t blame them. so feel like the information should be out there... take that as you will. (sorry for all the ellipses too, but i am still kinda flabbergasted lmao. they’re for emphasis).
i just feel like the book lost its momentum towards the end, relied heavily on telling and not showing so lost its impact, as well as my interest in the story. idk, the ending just left me unsatisfied. part of me doesn’t really know why, while there’s one specific thing that bugged me and wish i could change it.
im still very much on the fence about this book. on one hand, it’s a win for me since i liked both MCs a lot, and i found myself enjoying myself, devouring this so quickly. in comparison to my experiences with her other books, this was a success. but in general when compared to the usual books i enjoy and rate higher, is this a success? i truly don’t know lol.
thank you so much to Valentine PR and Rina Kent for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
i was a bit indecisive for a while there, lol, but im rounding this up to four stars bcos i did enjoy this for the most part and i enjoyed it so much more than i was initially expecting.
okay, so trying to write this without spoilers has been the bane of my existence while im writing multiple four thousand word essays for my degree. so appreciate my dedication, please and thank you.
i will preface this by highlighting my turbulent relationship with Rina Kent’s books. they’ve been more miss than hit for me, and i have disliked every hero. everyone single one. Cole was so close, so incredibly close but he ruined it with that damn fight between Silver and Elsa. i ain’t forgetting, bitch.
so, i was very hesitant when picking this up. the prospect of King and his history with Aspen made me pretty wary. i haven’t read book one when all the shit goes down with Gwen and all the truths are revealed, but i knew enough from Empire of Hate to get the gist. but it also intrigued me to see how this book was going to play out.
and i have to admit how pleasantly shocked i am that i enjoyed this the way i did. it’s the first time i liked both MCs in one of RK’s books. i either really hate or really love her heroines, my girlies Nicole and Silver know what’s up💅🏻 and luckily, right off the bat, i really liked Aspen. i found my myself instantly rooting for her, and any time she verbally sparred with King, i wanted her to win so badly. she was hard to pin down, though, because she was so broken and jaded, but also fierce and headstrong. both dominant and submissive. she did have the typical RK heroine persona about her where she was a bit of a spitfire but then had a good dose of betraying body syndrome which, in turn, kinda negated some of that defiance she emanated.
but overall, i liked her a lot!
while King... Kingsley Shaw was a man i wanted to hate so badly. but i couldn’t. not really. i fluctuated between liking him, being infuriated by him with his arrogance and audacity, and i then subsequently hated that i liked him because he infuriated me so much. i genuinely couldn’t keep up with my feelings for him, they’re still kinda hazy tbh. im still pretty unsure whether i liked him in the end. but out of all of RK’s heroes, he’s stands tall above the rest by far. but take that with a pinch of salt, bcos ive had a shitty go of it with all of her other heroes.
now for the real stars of the show... Aspen and Gwen🥰
my god, i loved their mother-daughter relationship, and it was so heartwarming to watch their bond grow. i choked up a few times too, watching them interact. they were my favourite part of the whole book, hands down. i looked forward to their interactions more than i did Aspen and King lol. their dynamic was just so sweet and soft. gahhh. adorable. they both deserved to be by each other’s sides after everything they’ve been through. they just made me feel warm and squishy inside.
now here’s my issue— for the first 80% of the book, this was a solid four stars for me. i was having such a good time, the story was addictive and i couldn’t put the book down. but in the last 20% something was nagging at me. i won’t go into detail to avoid spoilers, so simply put, it felt like their relationship was based on sex and driven by lust more than anything else. particularly for King. i wanted more growth without the sex, especially because i felt like there was too much of it. there are specific examples id normally give to explain where/why parts fell short for me... but alas, spoilers.
so ultimately, was i convinced of their chemistry? absolutely. they serve the intense enemies arc so well. but their love... i don’t know, honestly. im really on the fence about it and a bit bummed to be honest, because for the most part i really enjoyed them together. King was classically possessive, but i liked it a lot. he’s truly obsessed with her and it had me smirking with how in denial he was. i liked the sentimentality behind their relationship as well as their history (but wish we’d been privy to more to flesh them out better).
and please, for the love of all things holy, can RK stop making her heroes call the heroines their whores? i hated it when Ronan would do it to Teal, especially since her mother was an actual prostitute. it’s repetitive by this point and cheap, just ew.
the plot did feel kinda aimless and a bit basic. but there was just some unhinged shit, that fr had me giggling and i don’t think it was even supposed to be funny. it was classic RK where it makes me wonder how tf she came up with this shit. but it’s addictive. there’s one scene that just lives in my head rent free i–
one thing i will just... put out there is the erm... age of Aspen during Gwen’s conception...
...14.
i– no, thank u. i get wanting Aspen and King to be on the younger side, and since they have a 20 year old daughter, it’s harder to make them younger... but 14? i was just like
i tried to bleach it from my eyeballs.
and some might see that as a spoiler, but personally i don’t. some readers will probably be uncomfortable with Aspen being that young and i don’t blame them. so feel like the information should be out there... take that as you will. (sorry for all the ellipses too, but i am still kinda flabbergasted lmao. they’re for emphasis).
i just feel like the book lost its momentum towards the end, relied heavily on telling and not showing so lost its impact, as well as my interest in the story. idk, the ending just left me unsatisfied. part of me doesn’t really know why, while there’s one specific thing that bugged me and wish i could change it.
im still very much on the fence about this book. on one hand, it’s a win for me since i liked both MCs a lot, and i found myself enjoying myself, devouring this so quickly. in comparison to my experiences with her other books, this was a success. but in general when compared to the usual books i enjoy and rate higher, is this a success? i truly don’t know lol.
thank you so much to Valentine PR and Rina Kent for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 9, 2022
Sinfully good!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💛🖤💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🫣🤭🫠😮🥰
The heroine: Aspen - abused as a child and teenage, she lost her mother at a young age and her father went to prison. Aspen went to a party one night when she was fourteen to get away from her aunt and uncle who were also abusive and she ended up getting pregnant from a wealthy boy.
The Hero: Kingsley Shaw - He grew up with a lot of expectations from his billionaire father and was intrigued by Aspen when they first met. When they met again years later after both attended law school and he and his friend were forming a prestigious law firm, he thought her skills would benefit the firm but he doesn’t get along with her. King raised his daughter alone and she is his world.
The Story: I don’t want to give away too much but this story has a different dynamic between the two main characters than I have ever read before. They have worked at the same firm for years and truly disliked each other. Since they are both intelligent and very successful lawyers they are good at arguing with each other and throwing insults back and forth.
Their relationship is not helped by the fact that they share a twenty year old daughter and the circumstances surrounding that are very strange to say the least. I thought at first I wouldn’t like this one because they have known each other for years and have a strained relationship and I usually like to see the early interactions between the couple in a romance. Though we did see their first meeting, we don’t see anything else for twenty years and I usually hate it when a book skips large time periods.
However, I really liked these King and Aspen. I loved how King hated Aspen but couldn’t stop thinking dirty thoughts about her. And how Aspen is strong and bold and unafraid to stand up to anyone no matter what. She has known darkness in her past and has come out of it all the stronger for it. This was a super steamy read with some BDSM mixed in and Rina Kent always has a good story to boot. I love that characters from her previous series often show up in her new books.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💛🖤💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🫣🤭🫠😮🥰
The heroine: Aspen - abused as a child and teenage, she lost her mother at a young age and her father went to prison. Aspen went to a party one night when she was fourteen to get away from her aunt and uncle who were also abusive and she ended up getting pregnant from a wealthy boy.
The Hero: Kingsley Shaw - He grew up with a lot of expectations from his billionaire father and was intrigued by Aspen when they first met. When they met again years later after both attended law school and he and his friend were forming a prestigious law firm, he thought her skills would benefit the firm but he doesn’t get along with her. King raised his daughter alone and she is his world.
The Story: I don’t want to give away too much but this story has a different dynamic between the two main characters than I have ever read before. They have worked at the same firm for years and truly disliked each other. Since they are both intelligent and very successful lawyers they are good at arguing with each other and throwing insults back and forth.
Their relationship is not helped by the fact that they share a twenty year old daughter and the circumstances surrounding that are very strange to say the least. I thought at first I wouldn’t like this one because they have known each other for years and have a strained relationship and I usually like to see the early interactions between the couple in a romance. Though we did see their first meeting, we don’t see anything else for twenty years and I usually hate it when a book skips large time periods.
However, I really liked these King and Aspen. I loved how King hated Aspen but couldn’t stop thinking dirty thoughts about her. And how Aspen is strong and bold and unafraid to stand up to anyone no matter what. She has known darkness in her past and has come out of it all the stronger for it. This was a super steamy read with some BDSM mixed in and Rina Kent always has a good story to boot. I love that characters from her previous series often show up in her new books.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
May 6, 2022
she said lust, and she served lust🦸♀️🦸♀️
if i believed that they truly loved each other, id give 4 stars🐥🐥
office vibes where?
if i believed that they truly loved each other, id give 4 stars🐥🐥
office vibes where?
July 31, 2023
4.5 STARS 🚶♀️
Kingsley is actually Vicious reincarnated but with a daughter. I mean, all those stepmommy issues and daddy issues top it off with him being an asshole! Also, imagine my surprise when the heroine's name isEmilia Aspen Leblanc.
KINGSLEY SHAW:
For all his assholeness, I actually liked him? 😱 It's quite a surprise for me to actually take a liking to RK's heroes! 🤡 He reminded me of Aiden, but in a good waybecause I hate that fucker. I was literally laughing my ass off because of his POV's. He was so arrogant assertive that most of the time I was laughing badly because who tf thinks like that! It was giving me a hard time, considering he was around 38 💀. 50% of his POV's showed how he wanted to beat the fuck out of Nate, who stole his daughter, and the dude didn't even try to hide it! 🤡😂 As for him and Aspen, he was good, but obviously, he can't do that without showing his asshole self. One moment he's being sweet and taking care of her, and the next he's like GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY PROPERTY YOU WITCH! 👹 Nvm, he was good! THAT'S A BIG WORD OUTTA MY MOUTH FOR HIM. 🤝🏻
The backstory means jackshit to me because I actually enjoyed his POV's and his banter with Aspen! I swear he was so possessive, and I didn't even mind because I enjoyed and devoured each and every scene. 😗
EMILIA ASPEN LEBLANC:
No kidding, but woaaah, she was soo good???Ignoring all her melting by Kingsley's touch, getting dizzy by his clone, getting towered over by his massive height, and being a little scared by his presence because you're flail and small and he has larger than life shoulders, she was actually amazing. I liked her character, and she was super feisty, which is really rare in Rina's books, but who's reading. 🚶♀️
Aspen had a backbone, and I don't care about the sex scenes or what, but she actually had a backbone, and she was super headstrong and savage in her comebacks, and her replies were actually satisfying. I didn't get annoyed by her for once. The first chapter did give me a lil pick-me-up vibe, but it changed as it's how her personality is, and she wasn't being a pickme! She's the type of person who doesn't wait for a knight in her shining armor and does the work herself.
She's really strong and hardworking. Whatever she got in life is because of her own hard work, and it was actually pretty sad that she thought her daughterVanilla Gwynneth from book 1 was stillborn, and she missed 20 years of her life. 🥲
gwen had the fucking audacity to get on my nerves?
Pls, WTF, she's a bitch, and thank god I skipped her book. Though I don't know her POV's, that means jackshit because she was actually being an ungrateful, stupid brat? Like WTF, YOU FREAKING ACCUSED YOUR DAD WHO RAISED YOU FOR 20 YEARS AND IS ONLY NICE TO YOU, OF BEATING YOUR MOM? Like get your head out of Nate's ass and actually talk like a mature adult! I skipped that bitch's book, but when she was a whole ass ranting to her father how HE CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAYS, and she did not like them because it reminds her of how her mother abandoned her, I wanted to smack dab her face with the nearest fucking wall?! 🔪 What in the hell was she thinking, being a goddamn bitch and getting all teary-eyed and accusing him! I would've preferred King punching her instead of the tree.
About the said tree. When Aspen approached him, and he was punching the tree like a maniac, his hands were all bloodied and had god knows what with small chunks of wood and some dirt, he inserted all those 4 fingers inside her, and I stilled! When my brain processed everything, I realized HOW FREAKING UNHYGIENIC! First having sex at 14-17 without a condom, and now engaging in sexual activities with a 99.99 risk of STDS. Great fucking behavior for so-called mature adults! 👏🏻
OK, I wasn't done with Gwen YET. Pls, the amount of VANILLA shoved into my face was too much tiring! Like stop it already? I'll get it stamped on my face that she LOVES VANILLA! I can already imagine Nate's POV on how her pussy, her lips, her mouth, her TINY FRAME smells and tastes like Vanilla! Goddamn stop! 😐
The sex was top-notch, and it was enjoyable. It was hot too; all those spanking, marking, and fucking like animals were great. And not once was I like AGAIN? this happens! It's my experience. 😪
This whole book gave off toxic Thai drama vibes due to how Aspen was continuously getting beaten, facing attempted kidnappings, and constantly in danger 😂. King was always taking care of her afterwards, making her food, and then they would bicker and have sex. Surprisingly, I was enjoying it all?! 🤡
Why does Rina have to tease us with a SUPER INTERESTING STORYLINE OF MATEO AND CAROLINE????? I don't get it! I was eating their crumbs like a greedy bitch! Plsss, their story was so interesting! IT WAS GIVING GROVELING, AND I'LL DIE TO ACTUALLY GET GROVELING BY RINA BECAUSE IT'S TIME SHE GIVES US PERFECT GROVELING AND NOT GASLIGHTING. Their story was kinda giving Christian and Gianna's vibes, like all that abusive ex-husband and mafia man being boy-obsessed! Marriage in crisis 🤭 Pls don't rob us of that, Rina! And also Nicolo! GOSH, THERE SHOULD BE A SERIES ABOUT THE LUCIANO BROTHERS BECAUSE I WANT THAT BADLY!
— I'm sounding like an anti-fan lmao, but tbh Rina's books are a hit and miss! I love the writing, but sometimes it's so predictable and too misogynist that I can't help but barf! For all my hate, I still read her books because I can't help it, and currently, I'm waiting for God Of Ruin's release, even though she already told and shown how much of a bitch Landon is! (I'm intrigued).
— This book was good, and you can actually enjoy reading it, and it might actually help if you're in a slump. Although it's not like I got attached to them, I had a really good time, and it was really fun to read it! FUNNY POVS ARE THE WEAKNESS! 😍
Kingsley is actually Vicious reincarnated but with a daughter. I mean, all those stepmommy issues and daddy issues top it off with him being an asshole! Also, imagine my surprise when the heroine's name is
KINGSLEY SHAW:
For all his assholeness, I actually liked him? 😱 It's quite a surprise for me to actually take a liking to RK's heroes! 🤡 He reminded me of Aiden, but in a good way
The backstory means jackshit to me because I actually enjoyed his POV's and his banter with Aspen! I swear he was so possessive, and I didn't even mind because I enjoyed and devoured each and every scene. 😗
No kidding, but woaaah, she was soo good???
Aspen had a backbone, and I don't care about the sex scenes or what, but she actually had a backbone, and she was super headstrong and savage in her comebacks, and her replies were actually satisfying. I didn't get annoyed by her for once. The first chapter did give me a lil pick-me-up vibe, but it changed as it's how her personality is, and she wasn't being a pickme! She's the type of person who doesn't wait for a knight in her shining armor and does the work herself.
She's really strong and hardworking. Whatever she got in life is because of her own hard work, and it was actually pretty sad that she thought her daughter
gwen had the fucking audacity to get on my nerves?
Pls, WTF, she's a bitch, and thank god I skipped her book. Though I don't know her POV's, that means jackshit because she was actually being an ungrateful, stupid brat? Like WTF, YOU FREAKING ACCUSED YOUR DAD WHO RAISED YOU FOR 20 YEARS AND IS ONLY NICE TO YOU, OF BEATING YOUR MOM? Like get your head out of Nate's ass and actually talk like a mature adult! I skipped that bitch's book, but when she was a whole ass ranting to her father how HE CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAYS, and she did not like them because it reminds her of how her mother abandoned her, I wanted to smack dab her face with the nearest fucking wall?! 🔪 What in the hell was she thinking, being a goddamn bitch and getting all teary-eyed and accusing him! I would've preferred King punching her instead of the tree.
About the said tree. When Aspen approached him, and he was punching the tree like a maniac, his hands were all bloodied and had god knows what with small chunks of wood and some dirt, he inserted all those 4 fingers inside her, and I stilled! When my brain processed everything, I realized HOW FREAKING UNHYGIENIC! First having sex at 14-17 without a condom, and now engaging in sexual activities with a 99.99 risk of STDS. Great fucking behavior for so-called mature adults! 👏🏻
OK, I wasn't done with Gwen YET. Pls, the amount of VANILLA shoved into my face was too much tiring! Like stop it already? I'll get it stamped on my face that she LOVES VANILLA! I can already imagine Nate's POV on how her pussy, her lips, her mouth, her TINY FRAME smells and tastes like Vanilla! Goddamn stop! 😐
The sex was top-notch, and it was enjoyable. It was hot too; all those spanking, marking, and fucking like animals were great. And not once was I like AGAIN? this happens! It's my experience. 😪
This whole book gave off toxic Thai drama vibes due to how Aspen was continuously getting beaten, facing attempted kidnappings, and constantly in danger 😂. King was always taking care of her afterwards, making her food, and then they would bicker and have sex. Surprisingly, I was enjoying it all?! 🤡
Why does Rina have to tease us with a SUPER INTERESTING STORYLINE OF MATEO AND CAROLINE????? I don't get it! I was eating their crumbs like a greedy bitch! Plsss, their story was so interesting! IT WAS GIVING GROVELING, AND I'LL DIE TO ACTUALLY GET GROVELING BY RINA BECAUSE IT'S TIME SHE GIVES US PERFECT GROVELING AND NOT GASLIGHTING. Their story was kinda giving Christian and Gianna's vibes, like all that abusive ex-husband and mafia man being boy-obsessed! Marriage in crisis 🤭 Pls don't rob us of that, Rina! And also Nicolo! GOSH, THERE SHOULD BE A SERIES ABOUT THE LUCIANO BROTHERS BECAUSE I WANT THAT BADLY!
— I'm sounding like an anti-fan lmao, but tbh Rina's books are a hit and miss! I love the writing, but sometimes it's so predictable and too misogynist that I can't help but barf! For all my hate, I still read her books because I can't help it, and currently, I'm waiting for God Of Ruin's release, even though she already told and shown how much of a bitch Landon is! (I'm intrigued).
— This book was good, and you can actually enjoy reading it, and it might actually help if you're in a slump. Although it's not like I got attached to them, I had a really good time, and it was really fun to read it! FUNNY POVS ARE THE WEAKNESS! 😍
“I never thought about getting married, you know. But I want that with you.”
“That’s because you’re smart as fuck, sweetheart.”
May 5, 2022
5 Lusty Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rina Kent really outdid herself in this one because she certainly exceeded all my expectations of Kingsley and Aspen. After reading their crumbs in the previous books, and seeing their teasers, I knew they're gonna serve, and they did. If I thought I was already obsessed enough with them before reading the book, then you can't imagine how that obsession runs deeper after finishing their story. I can certainly confirmed that RK saved the best couple for last because she wrote this story as if her rent is due next week.
Empire of Lust is hands down the best enemies with benefits romance I've ever read. Their chemistry is totally off the chart and their banter are just so entertaining to read. Not a single moment I grew bored on them because of how much buzz they gave me. I think this book is probably the longest book by RK and yet I was still able to finish it in just one day. Yeah, it was too good that I even reread it again because I wasn't ready to let them go. What makes it even better is that Gwen was tolerable enough for me not to loathe her like I did in Empire of Desire. I'm so happy that RK didn't make her character insufferable like I expected her to be.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend you guys to read it. Believe me, you don't want to miss this amazing story. KingAspen is hands down the best couple in the Empire series and I'm gonna miss them a lot. I hope to see them making more appearances in future books. Thank you RK for ending the series with a bang!
P.S Rina, if you're seeing this, I'm begging you to write MateoCaroline spinoff. It's not a want, but a need. I need that marriage in crisis + second chance serotonin more than anything else.
ARC received in exchange for honest review ~
Rina Kent really outdid herself in this one because she certainly exceeded all my expectations of Kingsley and Aspen. After reading their crumbs in the previous books, and seeing their teasers, I knew they're gonna serve, and they did. If I thought I was already obsessed enough with them before reading the book, then you can't imagine how that obsession runs deeper after finishing their story. I can certainly confirmed that RK saved the best couple for last because she wrote this story as if her rent is due next week.
Empire of Lust is hands down the best enemies with benefits romance I've ever read. Their chemistry is totally off the chart and their banter are just so entertaining to read. Not a single moment I grew bored on them because of how much buzz they gave me. I think this book is probably the longest book by RK and yet I was still able to finish it in just one day. Yeah, it was too good that I even reread it again because I wasn't ready to let them go. What makes it even better is that Gwen was tolerable enough for me not to loathe her like I did in Empire of Desire. I'm so happy that RK didn't make her character insufferable like I expected her to be.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend you guys to read it. Believe me, you don't want to miss this amazing story. KingAspen is hands down the best couple in the Empire series and I'm gonna miss them a lot. I hope to see them making more appearances in future books. Thank you RK for ending the series with a bang!
P.S Rina, if you're seeing this, I'm begging you to write MateoCaroline spinoff. It's not a want, but a need. I need that marriage in crisis + second chance serotonin more than anything else.
ARC received in exchange for honest review ~
May 8, 2022
3.75 stars 👑
this is the book I’ve been waiting months for and although it was good…it just didn’t hit the same as Daniel and Nicole 😔
HATE
King (H) is my favorite type of hero. the way he hates Aspen (h), but can’t deny his attraction for her no matter how hard to tries. like when he randomly starts lusting after her and hates it 😍—
i also loved the jabs he would throw towards Aspen. like the way he calls her a witch—
I HATE YOU, but i also wanna fuck you
the way king starts threatening her (with a good time) because although he hates her, she’s the one thing he wants the most
my favorite line—
once again, king is stuck in that loop where he despises her, but can’t even STAND the thought of another man touching her—
TRUE LOVE
if this isn’t a fairy tale moment, idk what is—
or even this stunning line—
👑 spoilers below for this book and the other books in the series!! 🌳
enemies to lovers
i did love the enemies aspect of the book. King and Aspen are definitely REAL enemies, but the enemies part didn’t last as long as i wanted. like I wanted Aspen to make King HURT, especially since he was wrong about her abandoning Gwen
it give a quick backstory, Aspen is 14 when she meets king, who was 17 at the time. they met at a party where they hit it off and have sex. just so aspen ends up getting pregnant, in turn creating Gwen. neither of them knew each other’s name or even what they looked like because they wore masks
when Aspen gave birth, her abusive aunt and uncle traded the baby with King’s step-mom in exchange for money…Aspen herself thought Gwen had been born stillborn so she never sought out Gwen and she couldn’t find King
I understand RK couldn’t make this too “enemies” since Daniel and Nicole’s book covered that. In reality, this book was way more about lust than hate. Once again, it’s in the title so I’m not going to fault RK for that because it’s not like she mislead, but I would have liked the story to have been set up differently
i felt like AspenKing was wayyy more worthy of the enemies to lovers trope than NicoleDaniel. Daniel thought Nicole cheated on him while King thought Aspen willingly abandoned their daughter on his doorstep when he was 17. i mean Daniel was just an idiot
gwen
this book would have been better if Gwen’s rancid, vanilla stench weren’t anywhere near it. The pesky, milkshake drinking brat kept getting in the way. whenever she screamed “DADDY!” I wanted to throw myself off the nearest overpass 😍 when she accused king of beating aspen up and then REFUSED to apologize, I wanted to push HER off an overpass
her name alone triggered my fight-flight response, expect it’s all FIGHT
final thoughts on the series
in the process of writing this review, I was reading my previous reviews for books 1-3 and it had me thinking
what was empire of sin (book 2) about? interestingly enough i don’t remember who Anastasia is or what her role is? who even was the hero in that book? I DIDN’T MENTION HIS NAME EVEN ONCE IN THAT REVIEW
was that book just a fever dream?
Nicolo, the underboss of Luciano crime family, is such a fucking dick...when's his book coming out???🙏🏻
empire of desire review
empire of sin review
empire of hate review
this is the book I’ve been waiting months for and although it was good…it just didn’t hit the same as Daniel and Nicole 😔
HATE
King (H) is my favorite type of hero. the way he hates Aspen (h), but can’t deny his attraction for her no matter how hard to tries. like when he randomly starts lusting after her and hates it 😍—
“You heard the lady.” I offer her a smile that screams fake. “We can find a compromise.”
In hell.
While she’s riding my face under a volcano waterfall.
[…]
What the fuck am I? An animal in heat?
i also loved the jabs he would throw towards Aspen. like the way he calls her a witch—
“You prefer being labeled a witch?”
“I prefer my given name.”
“It’s too bland for me to remember.”
I HATE YOU, but i also wanna fuck you
the way king starts threatening her (with a good time) because although he hates her, she’s the one thing he wants the most
my favorite line—
“Is it a wise idea to call me names when your pussy is soaking my mouth like a little whore?”
[…]
“W-hore. I’m no one’s whore.”
“No one’s but mine, because I’ll eat your pussy like you are one.”
once again, king is stuck in that loop where he despises her, but can’t even STAND the thought of another man touching her—
“If you fuck another woman, I’ll fuck a man and make you watch.”
“Oh, I won’t be watching, sweetheart. He will, as I make you scream my name while you bounce on my cock like a filthy little whore, and just when he gets a hard-on, I will slice his throat and fuck you on all fours in his blood.”
TRUE LOVE
if this isn’t a fairy tale moment, idk what is—
“You looked good on your knees.”
“You’re the only man I would get on my knees for.”
or even this stunning line—
“In your dreams, asshole.”
“In my dreams, you’re taking my cock up your ass like a pro.”
-only for my King 🛐🛐🛐
👑 spoilers below for this book and the other books in the series!! 🌳
enemies to lovers
i did love the enemies aspect of the book. King and Aspen are definitely REAL enemies, but the enemies part didn’t last as long as i wanted. like I wanted Aspen to make King HURT, especially since he was wrong about her abandoning Gwen
it give a quick backstory, Aspen is 14 when she meets king, who was 17 at the time. they met at a party where they hit it off and have sex. just so aspen ends up getting pregnant, in turn creating Gwen. neither of them knew each other’s name or even what they looked like because they wore masks
when Aspen gave birth, her abusive aunt and uncle traded the baby with King’s step-mom in exchange for money…Aspen herself thought Gwen had been born stillborn so she never sought out Gwen and she couldn’t find King
I understand RK couldn’t make this too “enemies” since Daniel and Nicole’s book covered that. In reality, this book was way more about lust than hate. Once again, it’s in the title so I’m not going to fault RK for that because it’s not like she mislead, but I would have liked the story to have been set up differently
i felt like AspenKing was wayyy more worthy of the enemies to lovers trope than NicoleDaniel. Daniel thought Nicole cheated on him while King thought Aspen willingly abandoned their daughter on his doorstep when he was 17. i mean Daniel was just an idiot
gwen
this book would have been better if Gwen’s rancid, vanilla stench weren’t anywhere near it. The pesky, milkshake drinking brat kept getting in the way. whenever she screamed “DADDY!” I wanted to throw myself off the nearest overpass 😍 when she accused king of beating aspen up and then REFUSED to apologize, I wanted to push HER off an overpass
her name alone triggered my fight-flight response, expect it’s all FIGHT
final thoughts on the series
in the process of writing this review, I was reading my previous reviews for books 1-3 and it had me thinking
what was empire of sin (book 2) about? interestingly enough i don’t remember who Anastasia is or what her role is? who even was the hero in that book? I DIDN’T MENTION HIS NAME EVEN ONCE IN THAT REVIEW
was that book just a fever dream?
Nicolo, the underboss of Luciano crime family, is such a fucking dick...when's his book coming out???🙏🏻
empire of desire review
empire of sin review
empire of hate review
May 5, 2022
2 "whore" 🌟
first i need to say i'm so glad this series is over.
Second i need to thank my girl flor , we finally finished this series. i wouldn't get through this trainwreck without you girl😭🤍
Best parts of this book as rare they were : the somewhat lacklustre mother-daughter relationship between Gwen and Aspen. Seeing how awkward Aspen was around Gwen was adorable, their bond was so sweet and precious. I'd liked more scenes of them together tho. I felt most of their relationship was told and not shown.
The scene when Gwen caught Aspen and King, omg the awkwardness, i was cringing and laughing so bad.
And the banter between Nate and King, they were pretty funny.
still not over the fact how someone like Nate ended up with an immature child like Gwen,
#neverforget.
And that was it. I pretty much hated everything else especially the romance part between Aspen and King. There wasn't any progression in their relationship, all they did was tear each other apart and fuck. Rinse repeat. In true Rina fashion there's zero development.
Given that Aspen had teen pregnancy, was abused and lied her whole life you'll think she'd have some kind of trauma but all of that was just glossed over and not explained enough. like Aspen's excessive drinking was she a functional alcoholic or what?
Aspen as a character was pretty disappointing. i really liked her in the previous books , she was described as a badass bitch but in her own book she lost of all her personality when she became "submissive" and allowed King to treat her like "whore".
King was particularly annoying with his narcissistic tendencies, self absorption thinking he is some kind of god's gift to women.🙄 this man had such a high opinion of himself it was pretty laughable. Also the guy was a freaking sex addict, i swear he had a permanent erection, everything that came out of his mouth had to do with how hard he's and fucking Aspen.
umm the dirty talk. i think that deserves special place in this review bc Rina, you keep outdoing yourself. the word whore was mentioned more than 50 times. The weird bdsm shit was so unnecessary. poor Aspen with the bruises and hickeys all over her body, she could barely walk.
Their whole relationship was based purely on sex and went from 0 to 100 in the first 4 chapters. For how much they apparently hated and couldn't stand each other they changed their opinion so fast.
Even their banter was high school lvl, like Nate said:
amen Nate, amen! if they only listened.😪
Everything about the past was so vague!! I still didn't understand how Aspen's aunt and uncle found Kingsley when Aspen herself didn't know who she had sex with. It says they had sex and spend their whole night with their masks on. So how the hell they knew that King is the father? Did i miss something? What was the chance of Aspen also becoming a lawyer ending up working for her baby daddy? When your whole storyline is based on fate and left barely explained.🙄
I had so many questions about her father i feel like that side plot was half assed, just thrown in for the sake of drama. even the ending was rushed and underwhelming.
P.S i need to get this out of the way. WHAT IS THIS AWFUL COVER.😤 seriously she missed the mark with every.single.cover.so.far.
King is in his 40ties. This guy looks like a person approaching the age of puberty.
first i need to say i'm so glad this series is over.
Second i need to thank my girl flor , we finally finished this series. i wouldn't get through this trainwreck without you girl😭🤍
Best parts of this book as rare they were : the somewhat lacklustre mother-daughter relationship between Gwen and Aspen. Seeing how awkward Aspen was around Gwen was adorable, their bond was so sweet and precious. I'd liked more scenes of them together tho. I felt most of their relationship was told and not shown.
The scene when Gwen caught Aspen and King, omg the awkwardness, i was cringing and laughing so bad.
“And I thought there were no secrets between us, Dad.”
“Says the one who married my best friend while I was in a coma.
And the banter between Nate and King, they were pretty funny.
“Already taking sides, Gwen?”
“You’re unreasonable, Dad.”
“Not to mention a jerk,” Nate says with his usual blank expression. At least the creepiness is gone.
“Nate,” she whisper-yells. “Don’t call Dad a jerk.”
still not over the fact how someone like Nate ended up with an immature child like Gwen,
#neverforget.
And that was it. I pretty much hated everything else especially the romance part between Aspen and King. There wasn't any progression in their relationship, all they did was tear each other apart and fuck. Rinse repeat. In true Rina fashion there's zero development.
Given that Aspen had teen pregnancy, was abused and lied her whole life you'll think she'd have some kind of trauma but all of that was just glossed over and not explained enough. like Aspen's excessive drinking was she a functional alcoholic or what?
Aspen as a character was pretty disappointing. i really liked her in the previous books , she was described as a badass bitch but in her own book she lost of all her personality when she became "submissive" and allowed King to treat her like "whore".
King was particularly annoying with his narcissistic tendencies, self absorption thinking he is some kind of god's gift to women.🙄 this man had such a high opinion of himself it was pretty laughable. Also the guy was a freaking sex addict, i swear he had a permanent erection, everything that came out of his mouth had to do with how hard he's and fucking Aspen.
umm the dirty talk. i think that deserves special place in this review bc Rina, you keep outdoing yourself. the word whore was mentioned more than 50 times. The weird bdsm shit was so unnecessary. poor Aspen with the bruises and hickeys all over her body, she could barely walk.
"Not any whore, no. My whore, however? Definitely."
“Your pussy knows it’s my whore, sweetheart. It’s nearly swallowing my whole fist.”
“Don’t…call me that.”
“Call you what?” He does a long lick from the bottom to the top of my slit, stealing my breath in the process.
“W-hore. I’m no one’s whore.”
“No one’s but mine, because I’ll eat your pussy like you are one.”
"I almost forgot how big, thick, and wide his cock is. It should be anywhere but inside another human."
“You’re ridiculously huge,” I mutter. “Couldn’t have a minuscule penis that fits your personality, huh?”
Their whole relationship was based purely on sex and went from 0 to 100 in the first 4 chapters. For how much they apparently hated and couldn't stand each other they changed their opinion so fast.
Even their banter was high school lvl, like Nate said:
“For the record, if one of you kills the other, whether it’s first-degree or manslaughter, I won’t represent the other party.” He gives us a suspicious look and mutters, “You’re parents and are old enough to rise above bickering like children. Pull it together.”
amen Nate, amen! if they only listened.😪
Everything about the past was so vague!! I still didn't understand how Aspen's aunt and uncle found Kingsley when Aspen herself didn't know who she had sex with. It says they had sex and spend their whole night with their masks on. So how the hell they knew that King is the father? Did i miss something? What was the chance of Aspen also becoming a lawyer ending up working for her baby daddy? When your whole storyline is based on fate and left barely explained.🙄
I had so many questions about her father i feel like that side plot was half assed, just thrown in for the sake of drama. even the ending was rushed and underwhelming.
P.S i need to get this out of the way. WHAT IS THIS AWFUL COVER.😤 seriously she missed the mark with every.single.cover.so.far.
King is in his 40ties. This guy looks like a person approaching the age of puberty.
May 5, 2022
4.5 stars ⭐️
May I dare say that this is the best in the empire series cause DAMN. I’ve been anticipating this book ever since we were introduced to aspen and I KNEW that moment that rina was gonna serve and I’m so so happy that I immensely enjoyed this book! I’ve read all works of Rina and though I didn’t like the first two books in empire series, this book reminded me of the Rina who I was so obsessed with and loved for writing Deception Trilogy.
I love how RK write enemies to lovers and in this book? It was top-notch. I LOVED the banter, the chemistry, the hate to love, the obsession, the characters SO MUCH!!
Aspen Leblanc is the side character who had me on my knees since book one and in the whole series I was waiting for her scenes because there’s just something about her which stood out to me. She’s so smart, feisty and just everything I love. RK did an amazing job writing her and she might be in my top 3 heroines by RK for sure!!!
Kingsley Shaw is an enigma. There were moments where I loved him and there were moments where he was testing my patience but honestly? this guy is so hot I don’t even mind. The way RK described him with all his veiny hands, tall etc had me believing that he could get away with a murder and I would just worship him cause hello🥵 His obsession with Aspen was so SKSKSKSKSK. I loved how he went from “wanting to kill her” to “killing for her” like GOD when me?😭
The power this couple holds is insane😩😩 I literally can’t stop talking about how much I love them cause I’m literally awestruck. I loved how they cancelled each other out, how there was competition between them and it was so hot reading about aspen being the boss bitch she is in her work space💅💅
Tho no matter how much I extremely loved this book, I wish we saw more of an emotional connection between the two and I’m not complaining about the sex scenes cause they were hot 🥵 but I was just looking forward to more emotional scenes and also it annoyed me a little how much he called her a whore🥲
Overall, I loved this book so much, RK did an amazing job and this totally goes as one of my top reads till now! I can easily see myself rereading this book very soon and many times.
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
“The truth remains. Kingsley and I are the personifications of water and fire. Coexisting is impossible. A healthy relationship is mythical.”
May I dare say that this is the best in the empire series cause DAMN. I’ve been anticipating this book ever since we were introduced to aspen and I KNEW that moment that rina was gonna serve and I’m so so happy that I immensely enjoyed this book! I’ve read all works of Rina and though I didn’t like the first two books in empire series, this book reminded me of the Rina who I was so obsessed with and loved for writing Deception Trilogy.
I love how RK write enemies to lovers and in this book? It was top-notch. I LOVED the banter, the chemistry, the hate to love, the obsession, the characters SO MUCH!!
“Aspen might have inherited her ancestors’ wickedness, but she also got their soul-shattering beauty. The type they used to lure men and feast on their livers, hearts, and dicks.”
Aspen Leblanc is the side character who had me on my knees since book one and in the whole series I was waiting for her scenes because there’s just something about her which stood out to me. She’s so smart, feisty and just everything I love. RK did an amazing job writing her and she might be in my top 3 heroines by RK for sure!!!
“Each feature on his face is godlike in its perfection. He has a large physique, muscular and tall, which makes him look like a model in suits. Too bad the owner chose the devil’s fruit, route, and throne as his asylum.”
Kingsley Shaw is an enigma. There were moments where I loved him and there were moments where he was testing my patience but honestly? this guy is so hot I don’t even mind. The way RK described him with all his veiny hands, tall etc had me believing that he could get away with a murder and I would just worship him cause hello🥵 His obsession with Aspen was so SKSKSKSKSK. I loved how he went from “wanting to kill her” to “killing for her” like GOD when me?😭
“Sometimes, he looks at me as if I’m the conquest he intends to wreck into irreparable pieces. And maybe I look at him like the challenge he’ll never win. The black horse that’s never going to be tamed. It’s push and pull. Give and take. Even right now when he thinks I’m completely at his mercy, though I’m absolutely not.”
The power this couple holds is insane😩😩 I literally can’t stop talking about how much I love them cause I’m literally awestruck. I loved how they cancelled each other out, how there was competition between them and it was so hot reading about aspen being the boss bitch she is in her work space💅💅
“But maybe neither Kingsley nor I were ready for one another then. Maybe we needed the time to reach this version of ourselves. A version that’s a little bit broken, a little bit dark, but still fits the other anyway. A version in which we’re each other’s worlds. Or at least, he’s mine. I’m not sure where I fit in his equation.”
Tho no matter how much I extremely loved this book, I wish we saw more of an emotional connection between the two and I’m not complaining about the sex scenes cause they were hot 🥵 but I was just looking forward to more emotional scenes and also it annoyed me a little how much he called her a whore🥲
”Nietzsche said that there’s always some madness in love, but there’s also always some reason in madness. And this infuriating man is my reason and my madness.”
Overall, I loved this book so much, RK did an amazing job and this totally goes as one of my top reads till now! I can easily see myself rereading this book very soon and many times.
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
May 14, 2022
ME ENCANTÓ!!!
Si estuve ausente un tiempo es culpa de mi Reading slump.
Este es uno de mis libros favoritos de Rina Kent, me gustó la historia de enemies to lovers con un toque de second chance, si bien no es mi favorito me gustó.
No leí el primer libro de Nate y Gwen que es la hija de los protas de este libro y en mi caso no fue prescindible ya que todo lo explican aquí, si me quedé con muchas ganas de leer a Nate pero estoy en negación con quien lo emparejaron, ella es tan infantil, inmadura y el todo un hombre pero pues ANYWAY.
Los protagonistas de esta historia son Kingley que no lo conocía y Aspen ( a ella sí) se conocieron de adolescentes tuvieron una noche loca y jamás se volvieron a ver ella quedó embarazada pero le dijeron que su hija nació muerta pero fue entregada a King en la puerta de su casa, él pensó que había sido abandonada por su madre a la que by the way, la buscó por mucho tiempo y vente años después los dos se enteran de la verdad, los dos no se soportan pero King siente un odio por ella por lo de su hija.
Lo que no cabe duda es de la química y la tensión sexual que hay entre ellos que terminan por sucumbir en ella teniendo sexo de odio, pero todos sabemos que del odio al amor…
Sin duda Kingley es mi personaje favorito, me encantó, amé su oscuridad, la violencia que emana, su moralidad ambigua, hombre de pocas palabras pero que demuestra lo que siente con hechos, es protector, todo me gustó de él.
Y casi lo pongo a nivel de Jonathan King.
Aspen no me desagradó ,pero tampoco la amé pero está bien es la pareja perfecta para King.
Le hubiera dado las 5 estrellas si la autora me hubiera dado el trope de Single Dad, ya que la historia se prestaba si hubiera ocurrido 10 años antes.
La conclusión de su historia fue perfecta.
Si estuve ausente un tiempo es culpa de mi Reading slump.
Este es uno de mis libros favoritos de Rina Kent, me gustó la historia de enemies to lovers con un toque de second chance, si bien no es mi favorito me gustó.
No leí el primer libro de Nate y Gwen que es la hija de los protas de este libro y en mi caso no fue prescindible ya que todo lo explican aquí, si me quedé con muchas ganas de leer a Nate pero estoy en negación con quien lo emparejaron, ella es tan infantil, inmadura y el todo un hombre pero pues ANYWAY.
Los protagonistas de esta historia son Kingley que no lo conocía y Aspen ( a ella sí) se conocieron de adolescentes tuvieron una noche loca y jamás se volvieron a ver ella quedó embarazada pero le dijeron que su hija nació muerta pero fue entregada a King en la puerta de su casa, él pensó que había sido abandonada por su madre a la que by the way, la buscó por mucho tiempo y vente años después los dos se enteran de la verdad, los dos no se soportan pero King siente un odio por ella por lo de su hija.
Lo que no cabe duda es de la química y la tensión sexual que hay entre ellos que terminan por sucumbir en ella teniendo sexo de odio, pero todos sabemos que del odio al amor…
Sin duda Kingley es mi personaje favorito, me encantó, amé su oscuridad, la violencia que emana, su moralidad ambigua, hombre de pocas palabras pero que demuestra lo que siente con hechos, es protector, todo me gustó de él.
Y casi lo pongo a nivel de Jonathan King.
Aspen no me desagradó ,pero tampoco la amé pero está bien es la pareja perfecta para King.
Le hubiera dado las 5 estrellas si la autora me hubiera dado el trope de Single Dad, ya que la historia se prestaba si hubiera ocurrido 10 años antes.
La conclusión de su historia fue perfecta.
January 2, 2024
4.5-5 King & Aspen Stars!
“What I felt for you was obsession at its finest, but over time, I realized, this type of obsession ran deeper and wilder than I ever anticipated. This type of obsession is a twisted translation of love. You had me long before either of us knew, but now you own my heart, body and soul…”
“I’m his. He’s mine. This time permanently”
The King has met his match! Get ready world, Kingsley and Aspen are coming and bringing you to your knees in Empire of Lust. Bow down to the queen and king, empire of lust is here to stay. One of my favorite couples of Rina’s and one of my favorite books this month.
When they were teenagers, King & Aspen had a wild and unforgettable first encounter. A lot happened after their first encounter and this book fills the gap and answers our questions. King & Aspens first encounter was only the beginning of their story, years later we meet them again. The hate and attraction between them is so evident and so transcending in the beginning of this book as adults. Their banter!!!! The push-and-pull! Please!!! I really loved the book from beginning to end, we get to see Aspen’s & Kings story individually as a couple—it’s wild, it’s sexy, it’s heartbreaking, and they really are royalty.
Also, the side characters are amazing! I loved meeting Callie! Please, I loved her. I need her story with her man (not adding his name bc u need to meet him yourself in this book). Callie & Aspen, pls this was amazing! CHAPTER 24! Pls I laughed and I cried! When you read it you will know. That scene in the kitchen counter is one of my favs! King, Aspen, Gwen is what I needed! CHAPTER 18!! Please, this is what I needed! Two of my fav ppl made an appearance, even if it was a second. That handshake is forever in my head! A KING meeting another KING! *wink wink wink* ahhh I will never get over this!
Aspen & King
I loved King & Aspen individually and as a couple. We do get to meet a young Aspen and King when we were younger like I said, but the book focuses mainly in the future. I loved reading both of their POVS, we got to see their past & learned about their scars and demons. We get to see them as adults too. I’m so proud of Aspen, to see how far she has come from day one. She’s a literal queen and girl boss making room for herself in a world dominated by males. She can do it all and deserves it all. King is one of my fav male characters by Rina! He is not your perfect gentleman, but he is truly amazing with the people he cares for. The way he raised his daughter and how protective he can be! Please, the extended epilogue had me. Together and as individuals King & Aspen are truly perfect.
Like I said in the beginning of my review, bow down, King & Aspen are here! Also, you are not ready for what's next! I'm still screaming and crying with excitement.
“What I felt for you was obsession at its finest, but over time, I realized, this type of obsession ran deeper and wilder than I ever anticipated. This type of obsession is a twisted translation of love. You had me long before either of us knew, but now you own my heart, body and soul…”
“I’m his. He’s mine. This time permanently”
The King has met his match! Get ready world, Kingsley and Aspen are coming and bringing you to your knees in Empire of Lust. Bow down to the queen and king, empire of lust is here to stay. One of my favorite couples of Rina’s and one of my favorite books this month.
When they were teenagers, King & Aspen had a wild and unforgettable first encounter. A lot happened after their first encounter and this book fills the gap and answers our questions. King & Aspens first encounter was only the beginning of their story, years later we meet them again. The hate and attraction between them is so evident and so transcending in the beginning of this book as adults. Their banter!!!! The push-and-pull! Please!!! I really loved the book from beginning to end, we get to see Aspen’s & Kings story individually as a couple—it’s wild, it’s sexy, it’s heartbreaking, and they really are royalty.
Also, the side characters are amazing! I loved meeting Callie! Please, I loved her. I need her story with her man (not adding his name bc u need to meet him yourself in this book). Callie & Aspen, pls this was amazing! CHAPTER 24! Pls I laughed and I cried! When you read it you will know. That scene in the kitchen counter is one of my favs! King, Aspen, Gwen is what I needed! CHAPTER 18!! Please, this is what I needed! Two of my fav ppl made an appearance, even if it was a second. That handshake is forever in my head! A KING meeting another KING! *wink wink wink* ahhh I will never get over this!
Aspen & King
I loved King & Aspen individually and as a couple. We do get to meet a young Aspen and King when we were younger like I said, but the book focuses mainly in the future. I loved reading both of their POVS, we got to see their past & learned about their scars and demons. We get to see them as adults too. I’m so proud of Aspen, to see how far she has come from day one. She’s a literal queen and girl boss making room for herself in a world dominated by males. She can do it all and deserves it all. King is one of my fav male characters by Rina! He is not your perfect gentleman, but he is truly amazing with the people he cares for. The way he raised his daughter and how protective he can be! Please, the extended epilogue had me. Together and as individuals King & Aspen are truly perfect.
Like I said in the beginning of my review, bow down, King & Aspen are here! Also, you are not ready for what's next! I'm still screaming and crying with excitement.
May 6, 2022
"The number of fucks I have to give about your opinion of me is in the negative." "And yet, you still want a piece of me." "Not a piece. Pieces"
Wow! This was a fabulous read and I'm obsessed with Aspen & Kingsley. I loved Aspen since the moment she was mentioned in the first book of the series, she was really a force to be reckoned with. Her smart, fiesty and closed off personality was so adorable to me. Kingsley on the other hand was a layered character. He had two distinct sides to his behaviour. The caring one that only came out with Gwen and the ruthless, entitled one that he showed the world. It was enjoyable seeing him crash with Aspen, their banters always amused me. Kingsley's possessiveness was on an entirely different level and Aspen provoked that side multiple times which held my attention lol! This is a story of two people trying to deal with their pasts all while finding a balance in the present with their daughter, on top of that they discover that they still have not gotten over each other. Rina Kent is an author who creates so many likeable characters in every book she writes and the same was the case in this one too because I'm extremely interested to get a story about Aspen's friend Callie and her husband Matteo. Overall,Rina Kent never fails to deliver and this one was an incredibly entertaining 4.5 star read because of Aspen's ability to keep up with Kingsley and torment him as much as he does her. I was so invested into the story and the utterly entertaining banter that left me feeling breathless but the ending felt a little abrupt, now I can't get enough of these two together! Can't wait to read the next series that Rina has in store for us though 👀
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
Wow! This was a fabulous read and I'm obsessed with Aspen & Kingsley. I loved Aspen since the moment she was mentioned in the first book of the series, she was really a force to be reckoned with. Her smart, fiesty and closed off personality was so adorable to me. Kingsley on the other hand was a layered character. He had two distinct sides to his behaviour. The caring one that only came out with Gwen and the ruthless, entitled one that he showed the world. It was enjoyable seeing him crash with Aspen, their banters always amused me. Kingsley's possessiveness was on an entirely different level and Aspen provoked that side multiple times which held my attention lol! This is a story of two people trying to deal with their pasts all while finding a balance in the present with their daughter, on top of that they discover that they still have not gotten over each other. Rina Kent is an author who creates so many likeable characters in every book she writes and the same was the case in this one too because I'm extremely interested to get a story about Aspen's friend Callie and her husband Matteo. Overall,Rina Kent never fails to deliver and this one was an incredibly entertaining 4.5 star read because of Aspen's ability to keep up with Kingsley and torment him as much as he does her. I was so invested into the story and the utterly entertaining banter that left me feeling breathless but the ending felt a little abrupt, now I can't get enough of these two together! Can't wait to read the next series that Rina has in store for us though 👀
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
May 5, 2022
4.5 ✨
Tropes: workplace romance, enemies with benefits, opposite attract, tragic past, single dad
I was so excited for King and Aspen, for weeks. And Rina didn't dissapoint me! I LOVED this book and I am so glad she decided to add KingAspen to the Empire series 🤍 You're not ready for this power couple!!
“𝑶𝒉, 𝑮𝒐𝒅…”
“𝑩𝒊𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰’𝒎 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈.”
King and Aspen work together at law firm for years, and they hate each other with passion. Things change when they find out about their mutual past. They still hate each other - but now there is also undeniable attraction and lust. We get to read about their first encounter and it hepls to understand them better as characters but I am very glad Rina focused on present story. I am not a big fan of past-present storylines but it was perfectly done in this one!
“𝑫𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅.”
“𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒚𝒑𝒆.”
“𝑺𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒚.”
“𝑮𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘. ”
As we are used to, Rina serves amazing banter and chemistry. King and Aspen are lawyers, very intelligent and successful, and both extremely good in arguing! I absolutely loved their back and forth and I think I enjoyed them insulting each other little too much 😅 And I swear to you guys, that kitchen counter scene is one of the best scenes I've read... only Rina could make scene like that funny, spicy and emotional all at once! King and Aspen become one of my fav couples and the extended epilogue, perfection 🥺🤍 This was amazing end to the Empire series, even though we will probably see these couples again - it's Rina after all!
I've got ARC for an honest review.
Tropes: workplace romance, enemies with benefits, opposite attract, tragic past, single dad
I was so excited for King and Aspen, for weeks. And Rina didn't dissapoint me! I LOVED this book and I am so glad she decided to add KingAspen to the Empire series 🤍 You're not ready for this power couple!!
“𝑶𝒉, 𝑮𝒐𝒅…”
“𝑩𝒊𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰’𝒎 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈.”
King and Aspen work together at law firm for years, and they hate each other with passion. Things change when they find out about their mutual past. They still hate each other - but now there is also undeniable attraction and lust. We get to read about their first encounter and it hepls to understand them better as characters but I am very glad Rina focused on present story. I am not a big fan of past-present storylines but it was perfectly done in this one!
“𝑫𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅.”
“𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒚𝒑𝒆.”
“𝑺𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒚.”
“𝑮𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘. ”
As we are used to, Rina serves amazing banter and chemistry. King and Aspen are lawyers, very intelligent and successful, and both extremely good in arguing! I absolutely loved their back and forth and I think I enjoyed them insulting each other little too much 😅 And I swear to you guys, that kitchen counter scene is one of the best scenes I've read... only Rina could make scene like that funny, spicy and emotional all at once! King and Aspen become one of my fav couples and the extended epilogue, perfection 🥺🤍 This was amazing end to the Empire series, even though we will probably see these couples again - it's Rina after all!
I've got ARC for an honest review.
May 6, 2022
4.5⭐️ Hate-Fucking Stars
I really really really enjoyed reading this book. I can safely say that this has to be ON OF THE BEST ENEMIES WITH BENEFITS I’ve ever read. After reading the previous books in the Empire series we got a glimpse of Kingsley and Aspen’s relationship. Ok its so hard to write a spoiler free review but here it is. I might revise this later after the release but MAN THIS BOOK WAS GOOD.
Aspen had a baby at the age of 15 with Kingsley (unplanned) after a one-night-stand. As far as she knew, her baby had died and she was devastated. Little did she know her baby was alive and Kingsley had raised her after she was left at his doorstep. In the previous books we saw that their relationship basically blossoms into ✨ ✨ murderous passion✨ for one another and this book is no different ❤️
In this book we learn about we get a glimpse into Aspen’s past and what shaped her as a person. I loved her in Nicole and Daniel’s book and her quick witty remarks against King always manage to crack me up. After Nicole, shes def my favourite. I gobbled this books up like it was a bucket of buttermilk fried chicken. With pickles. Istg I could not put this book down. The hate, the passion, the SEX. oml the SEX!! Add the amount of hate the have for each other + their kinks and you’ve got a perfect late night binge read <3
ugh there is just something about Rina’s writing that I just can’t get enough of 😫😫😫
ps. Second gen from RES is coming this year yayyayya
Thanks to Rina's Team for an ARC in exchange for honest review 💜
RK your teasers have me on a chokehold. Im getting so restless waiting for this book !
I really really really enjoyed reading this book. I can safely say that this has to be ON OF THE BEST ENEMIES WITH BENEFITS I’ve ever read. After reading the previous books in the Empire series we got a glimpse of Kingsley and Aspen’s relationship. Ok its so hard to write a spoiler free review but here it is. I might revise this later after the release but MAN THIS BOOK WAS GOOD.
Aspen had a baby at the age of 15 with Kingsley (unplanned) after a one-night-stand. As far as she knew, her baby had died and she was devastated. Little did she know her baby was alive and Kingsley had raised her after she was left at his doorstep. In the previous books we saw that their relationship basically blossoms into ✨ ✨ murderous passion✨ for one another and this book is no different ❤️
In this book we learn about we get a glimpse into Aspen’s past and what shaped her as a person. I loved her in Nicole and Daniel’s book and her quick witty remarks against King always manage to crack me up. After Nicole, shes def my favourite. I gobbled this books up like it was a bucket of buttermilk fried chicken. With pickles. Istg I could not put this book down. The hate, the passion, the SEX. oml the SEX!! Add the amount of hate the have for each other + their kinks and you’ve got a perfect late night binge read <3
ugh there is just something about Rina’s writing that I just can’t get enough of 😫😫😫
ps. Second gen from RES is coming this year yayyayya
Thanks to Rina's Team for an ARC in exchange for honest review 💜
RK your teasers have me on a chokehold. Im getting so restless waiting for this book !
August 28, 2024
— 4.5 stars ⭐️
i loved kingsley and aspen sm 🤭 this is my fav of the entire series!
i loved kingsley and aspen sm 🤭 this is my fav of the entire series!
May 27, 2023
#1 Empire of Desire — 2 stars
#2 Empire of Sin — 3.75 stars
#3 Empire of Hate — 3.25 stars
#4 Empire of Lust — 3.5 stars
the H & h served, but whats the Devils Night doing in the RK universe? ☠ its giving Damon & Winter vibes from Kill Switch. the teen pregnancy horror was also too much. i didnt particularly care for Kingsley & Aspens past history, but they might be the best couple in the series. loved their verbal sparring & enemies with benefits dynamic. King was totally unhinged for Aspen, and i was here for it. i really enjoyed the friendship element between Aspen & her BFF. im wondering if her book with Matteo is already out or if its part of a new, upcoming mafia series🤔 cause i would love to read it!! the only thing that soured this book was anything relating to Nate & Gwen.
(read as an audiobook)
#2 Empire of Sin — 3.75 stars
#3 Empire of Hate — 3.25 stars
#4 Empire of Lust — 3.5 stars
the H & h served, but whats the Devils Night doing in the RK universe? ☠ its giving Damon & Winter vibes from Kill Switch. the teen pregnancy horror was also too much. i didnt particularly care for Kingsley & Aspens past history, but they might be the best couple in the series. loved their verbal sparring & enemies with benefits dynamic. King was totally unhinged for Aspen, and i was here for it. i really enjoyed the friendship element between Aspen & her BFF. im wondering if her book with Matteo is already out or if its part of a new, upcoming mafia series🤔 cause i would love to read it!! the only thing that soured this book was anything relating to Nate & Gwen.
(read as an audiobook)
July 28, 2022
3⭐️
you know i was kinda enjoying this until it became the gwen show. ik wanna be petty and give this 2 stars, but its actually reserved for book 1 (aka gwen's book). idk i fucking dislike thiswoman child so much that it ruined this whole book experience.
i liked the smut. literally the best thing about this book. i loved the hate but it got a lil repetitive bc i felt like all the other shit going on overpowered their relationship development. and i loved daddy king. no no i don't mean kingsly. i MEAN MY BABY JONATHAN FUCKING DADDY KING <3 a pleasant surprise i was fangirling way too much.
what i actually really disliked about this book (minus the fact that it fucking put me in a 3 month slump) is the fact that the characters actually pointed out tropes. and before anyone fucking comes at me, no no i didn’t rate this so low only bc of that. we barely got any actual kingaspen moments except for the sex like i wanted to know more about them instead of all that other plot stuff going on in the background.
example 1: them saying they are rivals over and over again?
example 2: enemies with benefits ??? i’m sorry what actual people say enemies with benefits
example 3: saying hate sex over and over again, like we got it the first time tbh?
ya ya i know, i’m being weird about this but its just SOO noticeable, like istg we could guess any of those situations without shoving it down our throat every second.
and another thing i didn’t like was fucking gwen’s presence, i didn’t fucking suffer through book 1 to make it all about gwen and her annoying spoilt ass in this book. fuck off she’s a child, an actual child that probs is in LOVE with her dad, its creepy. no adult actually talks to their father that way. no no no its disgusting. daddy this daddy that. YOU’RE FUCKING 20 BITCH.
empire series
“You looked good on your knees.”
“You’re the only man I would get on my knees for.”
you know i was kinda enjoying this until it became the gwen show. ik wanna be petty and give this 2 stars, but its actually reserved for book 1 (aka gwen's book). idk i fucking dislike this
i liked the smut. literally the best thing about this book. i loved the hate but it got a lil repetitive bc i felt like all the other shit going on overpowered their relationship development. and i loved daddy king. no no i don't mean kingsly. i MEAN MY BABY JONATHAN FUCKING DADDY KING <3 a pleasant surprise i was fangirling way too much.
what i actually really disliked about this book (minus the fact that it fucking put me in a 3 month slump) is the fact that the characters actually pointed out tropes. and before anyone fucking comes at me, no no i didn’t rate this so low only bc of that. we barely got any actual kingaspen moments except for the sex like i wanted to know more about them instead of all that other plot stuff going on in the background.
example 1: them saying they are rivals over and over again?
example 2: enemies with benefits ??? i’m sorry what actual people say enemies with benefits
example 3: saying hate sex over and over again, like we got it the first time tbh?
ya ya i know, i’m being weird about this but its just SOO noticeable, like istg we could guess any of those situations without shoving it down our throat every second.
and another thing i didn’t like was fucking gwen’s presence, i didn’t fucking suffer through book 1 to make it all about gwen and her annoying spoilt ass in this book. fuck off she’s a child, an actual child that probs is in LOVE with her dad, its creepy. no adult actually talks to their father that way. no no no its disgusting. daddy this daddy that. YOU’RE FUCKING 20 BITCH.
empire series
empire of desire - 2.5 stars
empire of sin - 4.25 stars
empire of hate - 5 stars
empire of lust - 3 stars
May 2, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : King
Heroine : Aspen
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 6/10
Heat Rating : 7/10
Triggers Involved : Past Trauma of Abuse
Plot Summary :
Life for Aspen has never been easy but somehow she managed to overcome those hurdles and finally has a name for herself. She is a hard worker and everything is fine until a blast from her past tunes everything around. Being a mom at 15 was not easy but she was ready to do it. Her whole life was shattered the moment she found out her baby had died. But then she found out that it had all been a trick and her baby girl was alive and well. Living right under her nose and she had no idea. There is only one hurdle that just might be the most powerful force she might ever encounter. Her daughter's father. The boy she had slept with years ago was now a reckoning force himself and he hated her with the power of a thousand Suns.
He had no intention of letting her be a part of his baby girl's life and she was determined to be one. That is until sparks ignited again. Her and Kingsley might have a daughter together but other than that they were worlds apart. He was her boss and she was the obstacle he was determined to ruin. If only they did not feel so much more. There was no love in this equation. All they could ever be is enemies with benefits.
Overall Opinion :
OMG. I mean I thought that Nicole and Daniel might be my most anticipated couple for this series but then Rina blew it all to smithereens when she gave us that first delicious hint of Aspen and king in book one. In every book after that, I have been thrusting for more of them two in the same room! The heat and the hate were the best combination for them and it was amazing to witness, no matter how small of a scene they had.
Now that I had their whole book in my hands, I didn't know what to do lol. I wanted to savor it and then read it fast at the same time. But there is one thing I can say with utmost assurance, that this book is definitely the MOST KINKY BOOK OF THIS SERIES. All the other books had steam, yes, but this one was a downright explosion. I think maybe the characters were much older? But still.
We also got a few cameos from our favorite people from the Royal Elite world and some of those cameos shocked me and made me laugh so bad lol because I should have seen that coming. We also got to know what Rina has planned for us next and it's so amazing!! Definitely recommending this baby to all the Empire series fans, If you have read even a single book of this series before then you already know the heat these two carry and will be totally excited to read them as much as me!
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This is Definitely King/Aspen!!
I am so freaking excited for them ughhh , ever since I got my first taste of that amazing tension between them in the first book of that series 🥲🥲🥲🥲
I am this near to begging Rina for an early release!!!
May 13, 2022
4.5🌟
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡. 𝐒𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭. 𝐈 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I quite enjoy this book a lot. After the reviews I see of this book, I was quite worried while reading it , thinking about if my expectations will meet or not...well, Rina Doesn't disappoint me through.
Kingsley and Aspen are a force to reckon with. One is Strom then the other is Sea, both are refused to bend down to one's will. They're seriously in true sense a POWER COUPLE!!
I enjoy their Bantering a lot, especially Kingsley's, i never thought i could enjoy Kingsley's character this much after reading EOD but i certainly do, his replies and comebacks even his thoughts are entertaining and hilarious. I just fell for his character! The man is a caveman in true sense, hella possessive and obsessive for our Aspen here. The qualities I like in my hero..lol.
Aspen, I freaking love her from EOD only, and in this book my love for her increases quite a notch. After learning about her past and what she went through... the girl is a true survivor in every sense. She deserves every bit of happiness and love.
She is really the perfect match for our king here. She embraced and tamed his darkness like no other being and challenged him in every step. She is a Queen in every sense, and going straight to my top list of Favourite heroines. 😍
We see a little bit details of what goes down between king and Aspen 21 years ago, when they meet for the first time on that eventful night ;)
We see their interaction there but we certainly didn't get the details of their "first time"...well, do not need to get upset, we get lots of Streamy scenes of them throughout the book to make up for it.
We can predict from the title only.. "Empire of lust", what we are going to certainly get in the book * smirks* ...and it didn't disappoint 😌
The sex scenes are amazing in this book!! I FREAKING LOVE IT!! The hate-fuck or intense-fuck or caveman style fuck whatever you like to call it, I freaking devour it like no other 🤌🥵. The intensity between them and the ✨ tension ✨ in the room whenever They're present in one....🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Our king is such a dirty talker😩🤌..that alone made my panties in a bunch 💦. Another quality I like in my H😏🤞. Certainly, King doesn't disappoint me at all here...he is ruthless & SAVAGE In every sense and fuck like that too, The Caveman style indeed 💦🥵🍑.
I enjoy everything related to him, the Possessiveness, his Obsession, his ruthless & savage-ness, his jealousy ( which is hella hot) and his caring side too, I fall in love with his character, never thought it will happen but Rina certainly make me fall for him. Kingsley is protective for the one he cares about, and imagine the women he use to hate the most, how he becomes so protective over her🙈🙈❤️.
Actually their dynamic changes from the time when King got to know about Aspen being Gwen's mother.
The man who is against her forming any kind of relationship with his daughter was the one who helped her in the first place when he got to know about her more then what she shows from the outside.
Reminds me, I love All Aspen and Gwen moments!! It was hella cute!! I really want to see them forming bonds from the time of EOD, and we see it here in this book...how Gwen accepts Aspen as her mother, their mother-daughter bondship is heartwarming, and I love to see Gwen and Nate again in this book.🥰❤️.
I guess the plot twist of the story few chapters before it actually occurs, say it my high book institutions or whatever..lol.
The whole book passed away with exploring king and Aspen's relationship dynamics, the actions and climax happened in last few chapters.
Many says there relationship is purely based on sex, but I don't think so, both King and Aspen are complex characters , both have a very rough childhood , I don't expect them to have a normal romantic bondship at first at all. They're enemies for so long, now that they share something with each other from their past, they get attracted to each other physically and from there they start to form an emotional connection too. But yes i have to agree that Rina here doesn't explore their emotional connection broadly but there was here and there where we can certainly see their emotional connection clearly, and how much they care for one another.
You know they're not ur regular lovey-dovey couple. They're far from it, that makes these two unique and different from the rest of the couples too. This is my opinion of the book, everyone is free to create their own and I enjoy the book here, it was totally within my expectations level. 😇
“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡. 𝐒𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭. 𝐈 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
I quite enjoy this book a lot. After the reviews I see of this book, I was quite worried while reading it , thinking about if my expectations will meet or not...well, Rina Doesn't disappoint me through.
Kingsley and Aspen are a force to reckon with. One is Strom then the other is Sea, both are refused to bend down to one's will. They're seriously in true sense a POWER COUPLE!!
I enjoy their Bantering a lot, especially Kingsley's, i never thought i could enjoy Kingsley's character this much after reading EOD but i certainly do, his replies and comebacks even his thoughts are entertaining and hilarious. I just fell for his character! The man is a caveman in true sense, hella possessive and obsessive for our Aspen here. The qualities I like in my hero..lol.
Aspen, I freaking love her from EOD only, and in this book my love for her increases quite a notch. After learning about her past and what she went through... the girl is a true survivor in every sense. She deserves every bit of happiness and love.
She is really the perfect match for our king here. She embraced and tamed his darkness like no other being and challenged him in every step. She is a Queen in every sense, and going straight to my top list of Favourite heroines. 😍
We see a little bit details of what goes down between king and Aspen 21 years ago, when they meet for the first time on that eventful night ;)
We see their interaction there but we certainly didn't get the details of their "first time"...well, do not need to get upset, we get lots of Streamy scenes of them throughout the book to make up for it.
We can predict from the title only.. "Empire of lust", what we are going to certainly get in the book * smirks* ...and it didn't disappoint 😌
The sex scenes are amazing in this book!! I FREAKING LOVE IT!! The hate-fuck or intense-fuck or caveman style fuck whatever you like to call it, I freaking devour it like no other 🤌🥵. The intensity between them and the ✨ tension ✨ in the room whenever They're present in one....🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Our king is such a dirty talker😩🤌..that alone made my panties in a bunch 💦. Another quality I like in my H😏🤞. Certainly, King doesn't disappoint me at all here...he is ruthless & SAVAGE In every sense and fuck like that too, The Caveman style indeed 💦🥵🍑.
I enjoy everything related to him, the Possessiveness, his Obsession, his ruthless & savage-ness, his jealousy ( which is hella hot) and his caring side too, I fall in love with his character, never thought it will happen but Rina certainly make me fall for him. Kingsley is protective for the one he cares about, and imagine the women he use to hate the most, how he becomes so protective over her🙈🙈❤️.
Actually their dynamic changes from the time when King got to know about Aspen being Gwen's mother.
The man who is against her forming any kind of relationship with his daughter was the one who helped her in the first place when he got to know about her more then what she shows from the outside.
Reminds me, I love All Aspen and Gwen moments!! It was hella cute!! I really want to see them forming bonds from the time of EOD, and we see it here in this book...how Gwen accepts Aspen as her mother, their mother-daughter bondship is heartwarming, and I love to see Gwen and Nate again in this book.🥰❤️.
I guess the plot twist of the story few chapters before it actually occurs, say it my high book institutions or whatever..lol.
The whole book passed away with exploring king and Aspen's relationship dynamics, the actions and climax happened in last few chapters.
Many says there relationship is purely based on sex, but I don't think so, both King and Aspen are complex characters , both have a very rough childhood , I don't expect them to have a normal romantic bondship at first at all. They're enemies for so long, now that they share something with each other from their past, they get attracted to each other physically and from there they start to form an emotional connection too. But yes i have to agree that Rina here doesn't explore their emotional connection broadly but there was here and there where we can certainly see their emotional connection clearly, and how much they care for one another.
You know they're not ur regular lovey-dovey couple. They're far from it, that makes these two unique and different from the rest of the couples too. This is my opinion of the book, everyone is free to create their own and I enjoy the book here, it was totally within my expectations level. 😇
March 21, 2025
3.25 stars
My expectations for this book were so high, and I really thought it would become one of my favourite books by RK, but Kingsley and his cocky, arrogant personality were too much for me.
I really liked Kingsley in other books, and I always have a soft spot for single dads. You all know how much I adore this trope, and I really liked Kingsley for the way he raised Gwen all by himself when he was just a teenager. He took her in the moment he saw her at his doorstep and stepped up as a father for her, given his unpleasant situation. But his cockiness and self-absorbed personality were a turn-off for me. He was overconfident, and while I like this quality in men, it gets annoying when they feel the need to prove it to the whole world. Kingsley is just like that. He is good at his job and passionate about the things he loves, but he really needs to work on himself.
“This type of obsession ran deeper and wilder than I ever anticipated. This type of obsession is a twisted translation of love. You had me long before either of us knew, but now you own my heart, body, and soul, sweetheart.”
Aspen Le Blanc is the reason I read this book and finished it. She’s one of the best FMCs by RK—a fierce, relentless, determined woman, and I love how she stands up for herself no matter what. She was savage and headstrong, and you can never win if she’s your opponent. She carried herself with so much confidence and power and was always ready with her comebacks. I liked her banter with Kingsley—only she can make his skin crawl, and I love watching men suffer. I felt her pain, and after knowing her full story—why she missed 20 years of her daughter’s life, how much she regrets it, and how she yearns to have even a semblance of a relationship with her. I liked how she made efforts, proving her worth to Kingsley and Gwen time and again with her actions and words. I still can’t believe Gwen is her daughter because how Aspen gave birth to an annoying demon who can’t shut up about vanilla flavours and milkshakes is beyond my imagination.
“The truth remains. Kingsley and I are the personifications of water and fire. Coexisting is impossible. A healthy relationship is mythical.”
The romance in this book is one of the best things about it. It was angsty and complex, given their circumstances with Gwen, and the longing and hate between the main characters only made it more interesting. I sometimes hated how Kingsley resented Aspen for no reason and called her a witch. I liked their banter—it was hilarious most of the time because the way these two fought while struggling to ignore the growing tension had me cackling. Their relationship started as enemies with benefits, and later on, they became lovers, and you all know how that happens in books these days. I just wish they had some domestic moments together—it felt like a big missing piece from their relationship for me.
The ending was so RK coded. Aspen didn’t need to get hurt to prove her worth to her vanilla bitch daughter, and she deserved better than how Gwen treated her. Also, why did Rina give me Matteo and Caroline crumbs when she didn’t even want to write their book? A marriage in crisis in a mafia world could be a great adventure for her. I was so interested in their storyline that at times I wished it was their book. I literally ate up every moment and needed to see how Matteo was going to grovel for his wife. Rina robbed us of all of this.
“And she’s still smiling, brighter now, like a much younger version of herself. A version that’s engraved deep inside me. A version that I intend to bring out.”
My expectations for this book were so high, and I really thought it would become one of my favourite books by RK, but Kingsley and his cocky, arrogant personality were too much for me.
I really liked Kingsley in other books, and I always have a soft spot for single dads. You all know how much I adore this trope, and I really liked Kingsley for the way he raised Gwen all by himself when he was just a teenager. He took her in the moment he saw her at his doorstep and stepped up as a father for her, given his unpleasant situation. But his cockiness and self-absorbed personality were a turn-off for me. He was overconfident, and while I like this quality in men, it gets annoying when they feel the need to prove it to the whole world. Kingsley is just like that. He is good at his job and passionate about the things he loves, but he really needs to work on himself.
“This type of obsession ran deeper and wilder than I ever anticipated. This type of obsession is a twisted translation of love. You had me long before either of us knew, but now you own my heart, body, and soul, sweetheart.”
Aspen Le Blanc is the reason I read this book and finished it. She’s one of the best FMCs by RK—a fierce, relentless, determined woman, and I love how she stands up for herself no matter what. She was savage and headstrong, and you can never win if she’s your opponent. She carried herself with so much confidence and power and was always ready with her comebacks. I liked her banter with Kingsley—only she can make his skin crawl, and I love watching men suffer. I felt her pain, and after knowing her full story—why she missed 20 years of her daughter’s life, how much she regrets it, and how she yearns to have even a semblance of a relationship with her. I liked how she made efforts, proving her worth to Kingsley and Gwen time and again with her actions and words. I still can’t believe Gwen is her daughter because how Aspen gave birth to an annoying demon who can’t shut up about vanilla flavours and milkshakes is beyond my imagination.
“The truth remains. Kingsley and I are the personifications of water and fire. Coexisting is impossible. A healthy relationship is mythical.”
The romance in this book is one of the best things about it. It was angsty and complex, given their circumstances with Gwen, and the longing and hate between the main characters only made it more interesting. I sometimes hated how Kingsley resented Aspen for no reason and called her a witch. I liked their banter—it was hilarious most of the time because the way these two fought while struggling to ignore the growing tension had me cackling. Their relationship started as enemies with benefits, and later on, they became lovers, and you all know how that happens in books these days. I just wish they had some domestic moments together—it felt like a big missing piece from their relationship for me.
“I thought we weren’t friends. Let go of me.”
“That’s true. We’re not friends, sweetheart. You’re my fucking woman.”
The ending was so RK coded. Aspen didn’t need to get hurt to prove her worth to her vanilla bitch daughter, and she deserved better than how Gwen treated her. Also, why did Rina give me Matteo and Caroline crumbs when she didn’t even want to write their book? A marriage in crisis in a mafia world could be a great adventure for her. I was so interested in their storyline that at times I wished it was their book. I literally ate up every moment and needed to see how Matteo was going to grovel for his wife. Rina robbed us of all of this.
May 11, 2022
Kingsley and Aspen are way better than Gwen and Nate, I was a little put off at the beginning when it was mentioned that the book wasn't as dark as the previous ones BUT what I enjoy is when a book is unpredictable and my expectations are excelled.
Kingsley is simply KING, he is too savage and cold. He is so ruthless he could simply crush the opponent. Aspen is his great match, she is cool, intelligent and gives zero fucks to Kingsley but she isn't immune to him.
“Is that worry I hear in your venomous tone? I’d be touched if I had any fucks to give.”
“You could be hanging from a frozen mountain by your dick and the only thing I’d do is bring out the popcorn while I watch. So no, worry is the last emotion I’d feel for you.”
Kingsley and Aspen met as strangers when they were teenagers. One wild night led to another which separated them to two different paths with their lives altered. Years later when they meet again this time hatred pouring with murderous passion. Their pasts left a lot of gaps, their fates played by conniving people. Their hate and attraction were two bulls with locked horns, I enjoyed their banter which was so insulting and hot at the same time.
King is a sexual maniac with anger control issues and Aspen is his balm and his sub.
I'm dropping off one star because I found no villainous rivalry before they got into hate sexual marathon. Whatever 'main' rivalry they had it was shown in other (Empire of Desire) books.
"Is that a proposal?”
“Depends. Are you going to say yes?”
“You’re such a dick, even when you’re proposing.”
“But I’m your dick. Literally and figuratively.”
I am so happy with the ending, the baby thing made the HEA perfect for me. And I hate to say this but Nate is wasted on Gwen but I still like their book.
Kingsley is simply KING, he is too savage and cold. He is so ruthless he could simply crush the opponent. Aspen is his great match, she is cool, intelligent and gives zero fucks to Kingsley but she isn't immune to him.
“Is that worry I hear in your venomous tone? I’d be touched if I had any fucks to give.”
“You could be hanging from a frozen mountain by your dick and the only thing I’d do is bring out the popcorn while I watch. So no, worry is the last emotion I’d feel for you.”
Kingsley and Aspen met as strangers when they were teenagers. One wild night led to another which separated them to two different paths with their lives altered. Years later when they meet again this time hatred pouring with murderous passion. Their pasts left a lot of gaps, their fates played by conniving people. Their hate and attraction were two bulls with locked horns, I enjoyed their banter which was so insulting and hot at the same time.
King is a sexual maniac with anger control issues and Aspen is his balm and his sub.
I'm dropping off one star because I found no villainous rivalry before they got into hate sexual marathon. Whatever 'main' rivalry they had it was shown in other (Empire of Desire) books.
"Is that a proposal?”
“Depends. Are you going to say yes?”
“You’re such a dick, even when you’re proposing.”
“But I’m your dick. Literally and figuratively.”
I am so happy with the ending, the baby thing made the HEA perfect for me. And I hate to say this but Nate is wasted on Gwen but I still like their book.
March 19, 2024
RESEÑA MAYO 2022
Ahhhggggg esperaba demasiado este libro y por fin pude leerlo.
Aunque hubo momentos en los que el comportamiento y personalidad de Kingsley no me parecio, Aspen recuperó mi interés en la historia 🤩.
La mini trama de Callie y Mateo me gusto y me intriga saber más de esta pareja (seria increíble que Rina saque un standalone de ellos por que su mini historia en este libro fue interesante 👀).
Sin duda seguiré leyendo todos los libros próximos de Rina por que WOW, se ha convertido en mi autora favorita de Dark Romance 🖤🔥.
RELECTURA MARZO 2024
Sin duda un libro e historia que no recordaba mucho pero que me encantó volver a saber de Gwen, Nate, King y Aspen y algunos otros personajes que me fascinaron desde la primera vez que leí estos libros
Ahhhggggg esperaba demasiado este libro y por fin pude leerlo.
Aunque hubo momentos en los que el comportamiento y personalidad de Kingsley no me parecio, Aspen recuperó mi interés en la historia 🤩.
La mini trama de Callie y Mateo me gusto y me intriga saber más de esta pareja (seria increíble que Rina saque un standalone de ellos por que su mini historia en este libro fue interesante 👀).
Sin duda seguiré leyendo todos los libros próximos de Rina por que WOW, se ha convertido en mi autora favorita de Dark Romance 🖤🔥.
RELECTURA MARZO 2024
Sin duda un libro e historia que no recordaba mucho pero que me encantó volver a saber de Gwen, Nate, King y Aspen y algunos otros personajes que me fascinaron desde la primera vez que leí estos libros
June 9, 2022
I’ll be drunk and down if I take a shot everytime Kingsley mentions the number of fucks he gives. We get it. You don’t care
Hhebehehehe but I liked this book. I mean, you can never go into a RK book without knowing exactly what you’re getting into. And I got want i wanted.
Granted I did think there was a a lot of sex, but then I recalled the title and I just thought “what did you expect?”
Hhebehehehe but I liked this book. I mean, you can never go into a RK book without knowing exactly what you’re getting into. And I got want i wanted.
Granted I did think there was a a lot of sex, but then I recalled the title and I just thought “what did you expect?”
May 2, 2022
5 stars
The final installment of the Empire series is here and was the absolute perfect conclusion.
Thank you Rina and Valentine PR for giving me the chance to read and review this book - it means a lot to me, I’ve been very obsessed with Aspen and Kingsley ever since Empire of Desire.
We first met Aspen in Thorns Duet and I KNEW she was getting a book just from that one sole appearance - that boss vibes, Rina Kent subtly does prepare us like that, ha!. Now, imagine my surprise when I read EOD, the tension between her and Kingsley was to die for - while Empire of Desire was my least favourite one, BUT it was the book I re-read the most just because of KingsleyAspen’s crumbs. Sue me.
As for Empire of Lust, the wait was worth it! The best for last ❤️ I can safely say this is my favourite one - I enjoyed the others but this one is special because Rina Kent DID justice to the Enemies with Benefits + Power couple tropes
So, I’m obsessed! Both Aspen and Kingsley were my favourite characters - I loved how powerful, possessive and hot they were. It was the perfect match. I definitely understand why Rina said she would bend the knee for Aspen, because #same. As for Kingsley, another favourite on the list because of the hottest and most possessive Hero from the Empire series is right here.
I won’t get into details but I really enjoyed the pace of the book, I wished we could’ve gotten more of the only-mentioned peaceful days but I mean, I can’t complain because the sex scenes were hot. Also, the fight of power was ️🔥🔥 , and allow me to tell you there are some characters that will surprise you.
Speaking of, there is also another surprise at the very end of the book, make sure to read it because screams
ARC received in exchange for an honest review .
He's the storm. I'm the sea that refuses to be flipped upside down
The final installment of the Empire series is here and was the absolute perfect conclusion.
Thank you Rina and Valentine PR for giving me the chance to read and review this book - it means a lot to me, I’ve been very obsessed with Aspen and Kingsley ever since Empire of Desire.
We first met Aspen in Thorns Duet and I KNEW she was getting a book just from that one sole appearance - that boss vibes, Rina Kent subtly does prepare us like that, ha!. Now, imagine my surprise when I read EOD, the tension between her and Kingsley was to die for - while Empire of Desire was my least favourite one, BUT it was the book I re-read the most just because of KingsleyAspen’s crumbs. Sue me.
As for Empire of Lust, the wait was worth it! The best for last ❤️ I can safely say this is my favourite one - I enjoyed the others but this one is special because Rina Kent DID justice to the Enemies with Benefits + Power couple tropes
So, I’m obsessed! Both Aspen and Kingsley were my favourite characters - I loved how powerful, possessive and hot they were. It was the perfect match. I definitely understand why Rina said she would bend the knee for Aspen, because #same. As for Kingsley, another favourite on the list because of the hottest and most possessive Hero from the Empire series is right here.
I won’t get into details but I really enjoyed the pace of the book, I wished we could’ve gotten more of the only-mentioned peaceful days but I mean, I can’t complain because the sex scenes were hot. Also, the fight of power was ️🔥🔥 , and allow me to tell you there are some characters that will surprise you.
Speaking of, there is also another surprise at the very end of the book, make sure to read it because screams
ARC received in exchange for an honest review .
January 15, 2022
Kingsley and Aspen are going to be the death of me I can feel it already
October 30, 2022
3.5 🌟 para Empire of Lust, cuarto y último libro de la serie Empire por Rina Kent.
📖 Tal y como vengo repitiendo en las reseñas anteriores: Rina es una de mis autoras de dark romance favoritas. No voy a explayarme una y otra vez en sus virtudes y defectos porque ya a esta altura deben estar cansados de leerlos en cada una de las reviews que hago de sus novelas. Lo único que deben saber es que es una escritora que entiende muy bien lo que significa verdaderamente este género y no tiene ningún reparo en explorarlo como se debe.
◾ Definitivamente, esta fue la entrega que menos disfruté de la serie. No me sorprendió ya que, tal y como venía prediciendo desde el comienzo cuando supe qué pareja iba a protagonizar cada libro, debo reconocer que no le tenía la misma fe a King y a Aspen que al resto. Y no estaba errada.
➡️ El gran problema que tuvo esta novela (desde mi punto de vista) es que no cumple con todo el bagaje emocional que viene planteando desde Empire of Desire. O sea, desde el libro 1 donde conocemos a los dos protagonistas actuales y al odio mutuo que se tienen. De cierta manera me resultó más interesante la dinámica de Aspen y King en los tres libros anteriores que en Empire of Lust donde se desinfla demasiado rápido el brutal lovers to enemies to lovers que se cargaban los personajes. Triste porque tenían potencial para cerrarme la boca pero se desperdició.
➡️ Por otra parte y siguiendo con los puntos negativos de la lectura, Aspen pierde mucho en este libro. No se parece en nada a la Aspen de los anteriores y eso me resultó bastante chocante porque la contaba entre los mejores personajes femeninos de la serie. No digo que esté mal el hecho de que ablanda y dulcifica bastante su carácter en comparación a lo que nos había mostrado, sino que el problema radica en que este cambio debería haber sido manejado por la autora de manera más paulatina y congruente con la otra faceta que habíamos conocido antes de ella.
➡️ Digamos que Kingsley se mantiene en la misma línea de lo ya visionado. No era un personaje masculino que me atrapara antes ni tampoco lo es en este libro. De hecho, es el protagonista que menos me gustó de los 4 que tenemos en Empire, pero esto es simplemente una cuestión de gustos personales.
📖 En cuanto al conflicto secundario de la trama (el problema que involucra al padre de Aspen) me pareció un elemento que estuvo muy bueno porque mantenía la atención y aportaba un aura de secretos y misterio que la historia necesitaba para balancear todo el tema del romance. Hizo que la entrega, aunque no me estuviera encantando tanto como las otras, se me hiciera igual de rápida y dinámica para leer. Nada nuevo con la reina Kent.
📖 Tal y como vengo repitiendo en las reseñas anteriores: Rina es una de mis autoras de dark romance favoritas. No voy a explayarme una y otra vez en sus virtudes y defectos porque ya a esta altura deben estar cansados de leerlos en cada una de las reviews que hago de sus novelas. Lo único que deben saber es que es una escritora que entiende muy bien lo que significa verdaderamente este género y no tiene ningún reparo en explorarlo como se debe.
◾ Definitivamente, esta fue la entrega que menos disfruté de la serie. No me sorprendió ya que, tal y como venía prediciendo desde el comienzo cuando supe qué pareja iba a protagonizar cada libro, debo reconocer que no le tenía la misma fe a King y a Aspen que al resto. Y no estaba errada.
➡️ El gran problema que tuvo esta novela (desde mi punto de vista) es que no cumple con todo el bagaje emocional que viene planteando desde Empire of Desire. O sea, desde el libro 1 donde conocemos a los dos protagonistas actuales y al odio mutuo que se tienen. De cierta manera me resultó más interesante la dinámica de Aspen y King en los tres libros anteriores que en Empire of Lust donde se desinfla demasiado rápido el brutal lovers to enemies to lovers que se cargaban los personajes. Triste porque tenían potencial para cerrarme la boca pero se desperdició.
➡️ Por otra parte y siguiendo con los puntos negativos de la lectura, Aspen pierde mucho en este libro. No se parece en nada a la Aspen de los anteriores y eso me resultó bastante chocante porque la contaba entre los mejores personajes femeninos de la serie. No digo que esté mal el hecho de que ablanda y dulcifica bastante su carácter en comparación a lo que nos había mostrado, sino que el problema radica en que este cambio debería haber sido manejado por la autora de manera más paulatina y congruente con la otra faceta que habíamos conocido antes de ella.
➡️ Digamos que Kingsley se mantiene en la misma línea de lo ya visionado. No era un personaje masculino que me atrapara antes ni tampoco lo es en este libro. De hecho, es el protagonista que menos me gustó de los 4 que tenemos en Empire, pero esto es simplemente una cuestión de gustos personales.
📖 En cuanto al conflicto secundario de la trama (el problema que involucra al padre de Aspen) me pareció un elemento que estuvo muy bueno porque mantenía la atención y aportaba un aura de secretos y misterio que la historia necesitaba para balancear todo el tema del romance. Hizo que la entrega, aunque no me estuviera encantando tanto como las otras, se me hiciera igual de rápida y dinámica para leer. Nada nuevo con la reina Kent.
May 7, 2022
What I think was Rina Kent's ✨thought process✨ while writing this book:
First 15%: we have a plot people 🧐. this is not just a romance!!
16% to 85%: a plot? I never said anything about a plot. get it right, this is a hate fuck fest!!
86% to the end: wait, actually there was a plot here but I forgot, I got carried away with all the fucking... just let me figure it out in the last few chapters and add a HEA in the process 🦄!
I honestly don't have much to say. This was entertaining as a standalone, mostly the enemies with benefits part, although there was nothing new in the whole "oh, I think I have feelings for him/her, so let me just try to ignore them and push those feelings away from me". Kingsley was also nothing new, just your usual Rk character, and I liked Aspen, who must be one of the more rational characters from this author.
I just didn't really connect with this story because I only read Knox and Daniel's book, and I skipped Gwin's one because nobody needs that kind of character in their lives, and if her scenes were anything here, then I think I did good.
First 15%: we have a plot people 🧐. this is not just a romance!!
16% to 85%: a plot? I never said anything about a plot. get it right, this is a hate fuck fest!!
86% to the end: wait, actually there was a plot here but I forgot, I got carried away with all the fucking... just let me figure it out in the last few chapters and add a HEA in the process 🦄!
I honestly don't have much to say. This was entertaining as a standalone, mostly the enemies with benefits part, although there was nothing new in the whole "oh, I think I have feelings for him/her, so let me just try to ignore them and push those feelings away from me". Kingsley was also nothing new, just your usual Rk character, and I liked Aspen, who must be one of the more rational characters from this author.
I just didn't really connect with this story because I only read Knox and Daniel's book, and I skipped Gwin's one because nobody needs that kind of character in their lives, and if her scenes were anything here, then I think I did good.
May 26, 2022
they. are. perfection 🥹🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 my babies i love them so much
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